Welcome to a simple lifestyle emphasizing a diet of whole plant foods and natural living.The principles of natural living address the cause of disease and health! I blog about plant based eating and other stuff. -Janis Hopper

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Vegetarian Lunch with Friends

Our friends, Jay and Mary, came over Saturday. We shared lunch and had a most enjoyable visit. Mary brought vegetarian Hominy Chili and some crackers she made from won ton wrappers. I served raw Veggie Fajitas, Salsa, Nut Cheeses (sour cream and cheddar sauce), Avocado, Romaine Lettuce leaves, and Walnut Coconut Fudge. We splurged and opened a bottle of red wine and made a pot of organic Assam Estate tea and a pot of coffee.

Travis, Jay and Mary sitting around the table.

Salsa

3 tomatoes

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1 chili pepper

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp. lime juice (I used lemon juice)

Stir together. Chill.

Salsa

Sour Cream Nut Cheese

3/4 cup raw cashews

3/4 cup finely shredded coconut

1/2 cup water

Juice of one lemon

1/4 tsp salt

Blend all in high speed blender until creamy. You can add more water if necessary to get the consistency you want.

Sour Cream Nut Cheese

Cheddar Sauce Nut Cheese

1 red bell pepper

2-3 Tbsp water

1 cup cashews

2-1/2 Tbsp nutritional yeast

1 Tbsp tahini

2 tsp onion powder

1 large clove garlic

Juice of one lemon

Blend all in high speed blender until creamy. Add more water if necessary.

Cheddar Sauce Nut Cheese

For supper I ate some of the leftover walnut-coconut fudge and some pecans.

Indulging in food and drink as I did today has a price. (It was wonderful to share the time and fellowship with our friends around the table!) It's my experience, though, that I feel negative effects the next day after this type of eating. It saps the reserve energy and puts a burden on the body. Even the more gourmet raw foods seem to affect me negatively. There is nothing like the simple foods that we eat every day. They supply what is necessary and sufficient.

One of the most important rules of health is to restore energy by getting enough sleep and rest. Sleeping in a dark, quiet room is best. I think I'll go to bed early tonight!

We all know that outdoor activity is beneficial. Sun, air, proper food, exercise, rest and relaxation, and a tranquil mind are the essentials of a hygienic life. So I am going to get out in the open air tomorrow!